USM Department of Biological Sciences Celebrates Darwin Week

Charles Darwin, Father of Evolution, is honored around the world on February 12th for his contribution to science and humanity. The Department of Biological Science at The University of Southern Mississippi will recognize Charles Darwin with “Darwin Week” beginning on Monday, Feb. 6.

Darwin Week focuses on different aspects of life, science, nature and culture. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature different speakers throughout the week, focusing on the themes of science, theory, and history. In addition to daily panel discussions, fossil trips, and other amazing scheduled events a keynote speaker from The University of Chicago will present a keynote presentation.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Ballrooms, Dr. Neil Shubin, Associate Dean of Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago, will present “Your Inner Fish.” According to information presented by Forum, Shubin and a team of scientists discovered the 375-million-year-old fossilized remains of Tiktaalik in the Canadian Arctic in 2004.

Shubin is the author of two popular science books, The Universe Within (2013) and the best-selling Your Inner Fish (2008), which was chosen by the National Academy of Sciences as the best book of the year in 2009 and which was the basis for a PBS series. Shubin has received many awards from Your Inner Fish.